01 23 23 City Council MinutesNew Hope City Council January 23, 2023
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes January 23, 2023
Regular Meeting City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in regular session pursuant to due call and notice
thereof; Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
The City Council and all present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Staff present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager/Police Chief
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Brad Kallio, Community Relations Officer
Beth Kramer, Communications Coordinator
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Vicki Thompson, Administrative Specialist
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Hoffe, seconded by Council Member Elder,
to approve the special meeting minutes of January 3, 2023, regular meeting
minutes of January 9, 2023, and special meeting minutes of January 12, 2023.
Voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following
voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
Ms. Thea Bruley, manager of NEAR Food Shelf, thanked the city and community
for donations and for supporting the food shelf.
PRESENTATIONS:
PLANNING
COMMISSION
RESIGNATION
Item 5.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.1, Resolution accepting
resignation of Jim Brinkman from the New Hope Planning Commission and
extending appreciation for his service.
Mr. Jeff Sargent, director of community development, relayed the city’s gratitude
to Mr. Brinkman for his 18+ years of service on the planning commission. He
reviewed the numerous projects reviewed by the planning commission during Mr.
Brinkman’s tenure.
Mayor Hemken presented an engraved plaque to Mr. Brinkman and thanked him
for his exceptional volunteer service.
New Hope City Council January 23, 2023
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Mr. Brinkman expressed his fondness for the city and the city staff. He indicated
he has been able to enjoy the aquatic facility and outdoor performance theatre at
Civic Center Park. He also acknowledged his family members.
RESOLUTION 2023‐11
Item 5.1
Council Member London introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING RESIGNATION OF JIM BRINKMAN
FROM THE NEW HOPE PLANNING COMMISSION AND EXTENDING
APPRECIATION FOR HIS SERVICE.” The motion for the adoption of the
foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Hoffe, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe,
Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2022 IN FOCUS
CONTEST AWARDS
Item 5.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.2, Presentation of the 2022 New
Hope In Focus Contest Awards.
Ms. Beth Kramer, communications coordinator, shared with Council the purpose
of the photo contest, in its 13th year, which is to inspire civic pride and motivate
those who live and work in New Hope to explore and take photos of their city. Ms.
Kramer apprised the Council of the guidelines for participating in the contest, and
that there were 19 photographers.
She stated three judges from the community with extensive knowledge of
photography and visual communication came together to evaluate each
photograph. The judging criteria included subject matter, composition, technical
quality and overall impact. She also reported that community members were
invited to vote for their favorite photograph in the “People’s Choice Award”
category.
Ms. Kramer recognized the contest winners: Dack Nehring, Dick Isenhart, Jerry
Vincent and Braeden Cooper.
Council thanked photo contestants and the judge panel for their participation.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
2021 AND 2022
ANNUAL REPORT
Item 5.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.3, Presentation of Police
Department’s Annual Report for years 2021 and 2022.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager/police chief reviewed highlights of the police
department’s 2021 and 2022 annual report. Chief Hoyt reviewed the mission and
vision statements and department divisions including investigations, patrol,
support services, K‐9, reserves and explorers, animal control and SWAT. He
emphasized as chief of police he has tremendous gratitude to the police
department for continuing to keep the community safe. He stated he remains
committed to building the bridge between the community and law enforcement as
the department continues to strive for positive change, unity and trust.
Chief Hoyt credited Lorilee Stafford for production of the report.
New Hope City Council January 23, 2023
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Council thanked Chief Hoyt for the report.
BLUE SANTA,
TRI‐CITY SANTA
PARADE AND TEDDY
BEAR TOSS
DONATIONS
Item 5.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.4, Motion accepting donations
received for Blue Santa, Tri‐City Santa Parade and Teddy Bear Toss.
Mr. Brad Kallio, community relations and crime prevention officer, was
recognized. He asked Council to acknowledge the generous donations for the Blue
Santa program, the Tri‐City Santa Parade and the Teddy Bear Toss. He stated the
New Hope Police Department hosted Blue Santa (formerly Shop with a Cop) on
December 21, 2022, which included 47 children from 14 families. He stated the
event was possible by $3,000 in cash and gift card donations from the New Hope
Crime Prevention Fund and the Isenberg Toy Fest.
Mr. Kallio recognized Liz Booth for her contributions of time and energy in the
planning of the Tri‐City Santa Parade on December 10. He also recognized the
Armstrong/Cooper Hockey Team for the Teddy Bear Toss at the game on
December 13. He stated after the first goal fans threw donated teddy bears onto
the ice. The teddy bears were donated to the New Hope Police Department to have
on hand for children in need.
Council commended Officer Kallio for organizing the community programs.
MOTION
Item 5.4
Motion was made by Elder, seconded by Council Member Hoffe, accepting
donations received for Blue Santa, Tri‐City Santa Parade and Teddy Bear Toss.
Voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following
voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
ROTATING VOTES
Please note that votes taken on each agenda item are called by the secretary on a
rotating basis; however, the written minutes always list the mayor’s name first
followed by the council members’ in alphabetical order.
CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hemken introduced the consent items as listed for consideration and stated
that all items will be enacted by one motion unless requested that an item be
removed for discussion. Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager, reviewed the consent
items.
BUSINESS LICENSES
Item 6.1
Approval of business licenses.
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through January 23, 2023.
RESOLUTION 2023‐12
Item 6.4
Resolution re‐appointing Tim Hoyt as New Hope’s representative on the ʺGolden
Valley/Crystal/New Hope Joint Water Commissionʺ.
RESOLUTION 2023‐13
Item 6.5
Resolution approving agreement with DDA Human Resources, Inc. for
recruitment services for the city manager position.
New Hope City Council January 23, 2023
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RESOLUTION 2023‐14
Item 6.6
Resolution extending the Memorandum of Understanding between Tim Hoyt and
the City of New Hope for Director of Police and Acting City Manager until
appointment of City Manager and increasing rate of pay retroactive to January 2,
2023.
RESOLUTION 2023‐15
Item 6.7
Resolution approving a cooperative construction agreement between the City of
New Hope and the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation that provides
for a lump sum payment for construction of a noise wall along TH 169
(Improvement Project No. 1089).
RESOLUTION 2023‐16
Item 6.8
Resolution approving a cooperative agreement between the City of New Hope and
the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for the bridge and
interchange reconstruction project along TH 169 at 42nd Avenue North
(Improvement Project No. 1016).
RESOLUTION 2023‐18
Item 6.9
Resolution approving a cooperative agreement between the City of New Hope and
Hennepin County for the bridge and interchange reconstruction project along TH
169 at 42nd Avenue North (Improvement Project No. 1016).
RESOLUTION 2023‐18
Item 6.10
Resolution to waive municipal consent for the Trunk Highway (TH) 169 Bridge
Reconstruction Improvements at 36th Avenue North (Improvement Project No.
1087).
RESOLUTION 2023‐19
Item 6.11
Resolution requesting municipal state aid street funds advance for the 42nd
Avenue Infrastructure Improvements (Improvement Project Nos. 1029 and 1016).
RESOLUTION 2023‐20
Item 6.12
Resolution approving a contract renewal with Bratt Tree Company for
professional tree care services.
RESOLUTION 2023‐21
Item 6.13
Resolution approving final payment to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of
$70,985 for the 2022 Infrastructure Project (Improvement Project No. 1074).
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
2023
INFRASTRUCTURE
IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1090)
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution approving plans
and specifications and authorizing to advertise for bids for the proposed 2023
Infrastructure Improvements Project (Improvement Project No. 1090).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, stated on September 26, 2022, Council approved
the feasibility report for construction of the 2023 infrastructure improvements in
the Northwood southeast neighborhood, the Winnetka Green townhome area, and
parts of 61st Avenue North and Sumter Avenue North. He illustrated the areas
included in the project and the proposed street and utility improvements as well
as five alternates (Alternate Number 1 for Liberty Park basketball improvements;
Alternate Number 2 for Hidden Valley Trail improvements; Alternate Number 3
for Meadow Lake Elementary School Park pickleball courts; Alternate Number 4
for Meadow Lake storm sewer culvert improvements; and Alternate Number 5 for
Northwood Park pollinator garden). He stated due to proposed costs and other
New Hope City Council January 23, 2023
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possible future improvements, staff is recommending removal of the alternate for
the Northwood Park pollinator garden. He also stated the Northwood northeast
neighborhood was originally planned to be included in the 2023 project but has
been delayed until 2025 due to underlying pavement conditions.
Mr. Boyum reviewed the project cost estimates totaling $4,385,233.69 which
includes contingencies, indirect costs and a 20% inflation factor. The CIP budget
contains $4,980,371 for the project, and the project will be funded with street
infrastructure funds and utility funds. There will not be any special assessments
as there are no tax‐exempt properties in the proposed project area.
Mr. Boyum reviewed the project schedule and recommended the Council accept
the plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids. He stated the
Council could consider awarding the contract at the Council Meeting of March 13,
2023.
RESOLUTION 2023‐22
Item 8.1
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND AUTHORIZING TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE PROPOSED 2023
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1090).” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was seconded by Council Member Hoffe, and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the
following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None;
whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the
mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
EXCHANGE OF
COMMUNICATION
Item 12.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 12.1, Exchange of communication
between members of the City Council.
Council Member Elder indicated interviews were held with commission
applicants prior to the Council Meeting. A motion was made by Council Member
Elder, seconded by Council Member Isenberg, to appoint Maria Leon, Kaamil
Ahmed Hassan and Ephraim Uwalaka to the Human Rights Commission for
two‐year terms expiring December 31, 2024. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
Council Member Elder commented on the large amount of snowfall which requires
snowplows to strategically place snow piles in neighborhoods. He asked for
residents’ understanding and tolerance of the extra snow. Council Member
Isenberg complimented the city’s snowplow drivers for efficient snow removal.
Council Member Elder thanked Vicki Thompson for serving as Council secretary
in the city clerk’s absence.
Mayor Hemken reported on upcoming events.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to adjourn the meeting, as there was no further business to come before
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the Council. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The New Hope City
Council adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk